FANS of Nickelodeon's popular animated series are in for a surprise and a shock.

Hey Arnold! The Movie transplants the eponymous schoolboy hero, whose head appears to have collapsed under its own weight, to the big screen with little fuss or ceremony.

Characters and plots are familiar, and the TV series' comic sensibilities remain untouched.

Regrettably, creator Craig Bartlett and director Tuck Tucker have decided to leave the animation untouched too - when Arnold and co are projected on to such a large canvas, they look rather washed-out.

Also, the script could have been packed with a few more gags to ensure parents will have some excuse to stay awake through the brisk 75 minutes.

The plot revolves around property developer Scheck (voiced by Paul Sorvino), who plans to buy up then bulldoze the quaint, close-knit neighbourhood which fourth grade schoolboy Arnold (Spencer Klein) and best buddy Gerald (Jamil Smith) call home.

The youngsters vow to stop Scheck's destructive plans, joining forces with a sexy superspy (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to outwit the dastardly entrepreneur.

The only hope seems to be proving the town's historic status, but where would the boys find such a document?

Arnold's cantankerous grandmother (Tress MacNeille) and grandfather (Dan Castellaneta) spare no expense throwing their support behind their grandson, even if it means landing themselves in jail.

Meanwhile, Arnold's enemy Helga (Francesca Marie Smith), who is secretly in love with him, continues to pour scorn on his efforts.

Hey Arnold! The Movie features numerous movie references, including Casablanca, Men In Black, Mission: Impossible, The Shawshank Redemption and Speed, but the film is aimed squarely at fans of the TV show.

Light and inoffensive, the film is a spry treat, with a wholesome message about community spirit, which seems perfectly pitched for this time of year.